How do I avoid the Broadway ticket scams in Times Square?

Use only two channels for discount tickets: the TKTS booth in Father Duffy Square (47th and Broadway, under the red staircase — same-day discounted seats at 25-50% off, opens 15:00 for evening shows) or the actual theatre box offices (often have unsold seats at modest discounts on the day). Ignore the men on the pedestrian plazas offering 'discount Broadway tickets' — these are vague offers without specific show or seat, often for non-existent or massively-overpriced packages. The TKTS line queues 1-2 hours before opening; bring patience. Off-Broadway venues in Hell's Kitchen and East Village offer better-value alternatives.

Safest Neighbourhoods in Times Square, New York (and Areas to Avoid)

By The Kakapo Editorial Team · Last updated 2026-05-28 · Part of the Times Square, New York safety guide

Port Authority and the western neighbourhood

Port Authority Bus Terminal (8th Avenue at 42nd Street): one of the largest bus terminals in the world; the arrival point for intercity buses (Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan) and the New Jersey commuter network. Operates 24/7.
The terminal itself: heavily patrolled by Port Authority Police and NYPD; reasonably safe through the operating hours. The waiting areas can be uncomfortable late at night with a homeless and street-population presence, but violent crime against arriving tourists is rare.
The blocks immediately west (Hell's Kitchen, 9th-10th Avenue between 40th and 50th): largely gentrified, restaurant-dense, fine through the evening — one of Manhattan's better mid-tier restaurant neighbourhoods.
The blocks immediately south (Garment District, around Penn Station): workmanlike by day, emptier and less appealing late at night; not dangerous but not pleasant for solo walking.
The blocks east into Midtown: 6th, 5th, Madison, Park Avenues — corporate Midtown, broadly empty after office hours, safe but desolate late.
The blocks north into the Theater District: where the Broadway theatres concentrate; lively through evening, calm after the show ends.

FAQ

How do I avoid the Broadway ticket scams in Times Square?: Use only two channels for discount tickets: the TKTS booth in Father Duffy Square (47th and Broadway, under the red staircase — same-day discounted seats at 25-50% off, opens 15:00 for evening shows) or the actual theatre box offices (often have unsold seats at modest discounts on the day). Ignore the men on the pedestrian plazas offering 'discount Broadway tickets' — these are vague offers without specific show or seat, often for non-existent or massively-overpriced packages. The TKTS line queues 1-2 hours before opening; bring patience. Off-Broadway venues in Hell's Kitchen and East Village offer better-value alternatives.

Read the full Times Square, New York safety guide — score breakdown, every neighbourhood, all 5 sources →

Live Times Square, New York safety score (updates daily) →

Sources

Scores are the Kakapo Safety Index — compiled from government travel advisories and public crime, health and transit data. All data sources.